The Enhanced Games, an alternative event to the Olympics that allows the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs, has faced criticism for neglecting the connection between anabolic steroids and domestic violence.

During an announcement in Las Vegas this Wednesday, Australian businessman and lawyer Aron D’Souza, head of the controversial organization, revealed plans to disclose the event’s location and a list of athletes willing to compete for a $1 million (£748,000) prize for breaking a world record. So far, it appears that no athletes from the UK have signed up for the event.

Trevor Pearce, the outgoing chairman of UK Anti-Doping (Ukad), has voiced serious concerns regarding the health risks associated with the substances athletes might use in the absence of anti-doping regulations, as he shared in an interview.

Speaking at Ukad’s clean sport event in Manchester, Pearce, who has chaired the agency since 2017 and is a retired police chief constable, warned that athletes and their support teams could inadvertently engage in illegal activities.

“The Enhanced Games is a real worry,” Pearce stated. “There are substantial concerns related to steroids, including physical damages, psychological effects, and social implications. Notable research from South Wales has drawn attention to associations with violence against women and girls, domestic violence, and incidents in nightlife, all influenced by steroid misuse.”

However, Pearce did note a positive response from many athletes regarding the Enhanced Games concept.

“Our surveys show that 60% of young people believe this is detrimental; they want clean sports and oppose events like the Enhanced Games,” he explained. “Parents also expressed disapproval, indicating they wouldn’t allow their children to participate in sports involving such events, underlining the role-modelling issue we face.”

There is a broader agenda tied to the Enhanced Games, with discussions at a recent London conference indicating a focus on promoting the perceived benefits of chemical enhancement for longevity. Pearce remains skeptical.

“There are physical, psychological, and social harms tied to this,” he stated. “I also want to prevent athletes from becoming mere commodities or being used in potentially questionable experiments under the guise of science.”

He emphasized the possibility of violating the World Anti-Doping Code, along with the legal risks associated with steroid use under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“This presents a significant threat that warrants an open dialogue with both the public and the sports community regarding these issues,” Pearce concluded.

While Pearce reflects on the progress made during his tenure at Ukad with some pride, he acknowledges ongoing obstacles, such as the lack of investigative authority compared to other national agencies. He continues to advocate for improved access to critical data that could aid investigations.

Furthermore, he has urged his successor, who will be appointed soon by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, to explore a more integrated approach to tackling doping and other issues that compromise sports integrity, including gambling.

“I’m not suggesting that all responsibility falls to Ukad, nor do I want to create a new entity hastily,” Pearce clarified. “However, we must discuss how these elements can be harmonized since protecting the integrity of sports as a whole is essential. There are numerous factors at play.”